The Power of Utopia – Living with Le Corbusier in Chandigarh

When architect Le Corbusier designed Chandigarh, he imagined a just city that would allow for harmonious interaction between its residents and the natural environment. His utopic vision for the city came into being 70 years ago at a time of unrest, resettlement, and the partition of India. For some, it represented progress and a newly emerged democracy, but it remains unclear if Corbusier’s design was a success or a failure. Directors Karin Bucher and Thomas Karrer’s The Power of Utopia follows four cultural producers in Chandigarh. As we accompany them through their lives and work, we ask what can be gleaned from attempts at utopia.

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Following the film will be a conversation about ideas of utopia, with famed podcaster Avery Trufelman and journalist Diana Budds.

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Co-presented with the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York.

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This screening is a part of ADFF:NY 2023

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